Felixstowe Hungry Hack review: The Mariners is a pub of beauty with food to match
By Amber Markwell
12th Aug 2021 | Opinion
A question most of us have when we are out of the house and enjoying the sunshine is: okay, where are we going to go for something to eat?
The Hungry Hack takes the guessing out of choosing the right place and today we discover the Mariners in Trimley more than fills the gap.
A stone's throw away from the River Orwell and a less than 10-minute drive from the Felixstowe Sea Front, The Mariners Freehouse, just from looking at it, is a true beauty spot.
The floral arrangements outside brighten the outside and a large purple hammock standing at the front provides the perfect opportunity for a selfie.
The inside is just as impressive as the outside. The décor reflects the Mariners' concept perfectly: a fashionable twist on the nautical with such maritime references being tasteful and not overbearing.
With ship steering wheels on the wall, the kitchen door having 'GALLEY' painted on it and oars crossed on the wall, you are instantly immersed in their sea-faring experience.
Upon arrival, the staff were incredibly friendly and warm. Throughout the meal, our server was quick and attentive without being intrusive.
Of course, what would a review be without the most important part: the menu and the food.
There was a particular emphasis on locally sourced products because, of course, Suffolk produce tastes the best, in my humble opinion.
An excellent example of that is their Cumberland sausage ring, with mustard mash using bangers from the Sausage Shop, literally just up the road.
The menu also boasted a great variety of choice but after spending time by the sea front, there was no other choice for me than the 'Cod 'n' Chips.'
To put it simply, the cod and chips were absolutely delicious. The battered cod was not plagued with the 'all batter-no cod' conundrum.
The very generous serving of cod was perfectly flaky with a mild flavour with no risk of an overpowering fishy taste. The additional tartare sauce was also the perfect accompaniment with the tanginess of the lemon juice and freshness of the dill.
However, the chips were the highlight for me. Hand cut and triple cooked, you could tell these were not McCain chips from the freezer. They did not need any seasoning as they tasted perfect as they were – no need for a dollop of ketchup.
Admittedly, the minted peas were left untouched but that's just down to my general disdain of peas in general – but they looked very green which I believe is a good marker for a good pea.
Unfortunately, there was no room left for desserts (no matter how enticing they seemed). However, if they are as good as my main dish then I will have to come again to try one.
A dessert of note was the cheese board with two of the three cheeses being locally sourced: Suffolk Blue and Baron Bigod Brie.
As I was waddling out after my large meal, I spotted a cocktail menu and a board referencing their selection of flavoured gins. As a gin fan myself, if it weren't for it being midday, then it would be an enticing offer.
Their website boasts their stock of more than 70 specialist gins – a very impressive number.
Overall, I would thoroughly recommend visiting The Mariners Freehouse for hearty, locally sourced British food and a wonderfully nautical experience – well deserving of their Traveller's Choice 2021 on Tripadvisor.
- To see more pictures from the Hungry hack after there visit to the Mariners, scroll right on the top image.
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